A VIRTUAL candlelit service will be held to allow people to remember loved ones who have died.

Ordinarily, during December, people in Rossendale would gather to remember their loved ones at a Light up a Life service hosted by Rossendale Hospice at St Mary’s Church.

Due to the current pandemic, the event has been adapted and a virtual ceremony will be streamed on Thursday, December 10, at 7pm.

Home remembrance kits will be available to buy so everyone can take part in the candlelit ceremony, as well as the opportunity to dedicate a special Christmas wreath to a loved one which will be displayed on lamp-posts across the valley during December.

Clare Richards, head of fundraising for Rossendale Hospice said: “This year has been difficult to keep our usual events running, which has massively impacted our fundraising.

"A lot of time and effort is going into making sure the people of Rossendale have the opportunity to remember their loved ones in a special way."

Dedications to be included in the service must be placed by December 8 and the Christmas Wreaths by November 30.